It's a great start for KBS2's new fantasy drama! First broadcast last night, June 11, 2025, The First Night With the Duke seduced viewers by reaching 3.3 % average national audienceaccording to Nielsen Korea. A much higher score than its predecessor (Pump Up the Healthy Love), which finished with just 1 %.
Adapted from a popular webtoon, this drama blends romance and fantasy in an original universe. We follow Cha Sun-chaek (performed by Seohyunfrom Girls' Generation), an ordinary student is thrust into the body of a secondary character in her favorite novel. Before long, she finds herself embroiled in an eventful night with the book's hero, Yi Beon (played by Taecyeon of 2PM), a rather cold nobleman.
The first episode unveils this whimsical immersion with humor and energy: between tasty one-liners, typical manhwa social events and a scorching cliffhanger upon awakening, the tone is set. The main duo, Seohyun and Taecyeon already offers great chemistry, while the meticulous direction and fast pace promise a sequel full of twists and turns.
Edit: The 2nd episode, broadcast on June 12, recorded an audience rating of 3.4 %, a slight increase on the previous day.
Our opinion on the first 2 episodes
We watched these first 2 episodes on Viki, and were very positively surprised by what was presented. The pace is fast, the plot catches on quickly, the heroine is funny, and the whole thing is refreshingly funny. Promising!
The 2 episodes are already available in France as First night with the Duke on Viki. The First Night With the Duke is broadcast every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50 p.m. on KBS2. A drama to keep an eye on! Is it on your watchlist?
